But the game was more about emotion than tactics. The atmosphere was electric for the game televised nationally on ESPNU. Both stands on the ends of the court were filled with students. They waved oversized, cut-out, “head signs” of Rex Ryan, Abe Lincoln, Ron Burgundy, Bobby Hurley, Will Smith, Macaulay Culkin and Woody from the movie Toy Story.

UB improved to 8-0 at home this year and has won 22 of its last 23 games at Alumni Arena. UB is averaging 80.7 ppg at home.

UB outscored the Golden Flashes, 26-10, over the last nine minutes of the first half. Among the highlights: A reverse jam by Ford off a Lamonte Bearden pass, an alley-oop layup by Evans, a fast-break jam by Ford, a spinning scoop shot by Bearden and another Bearden-to-Ford slam dunk play.

UB’s next game is Wednesday at Ball State.

email: mgaughan@buffnews.com

Mark Gaughan – Mark Gaughan has been a sports writer at The Buffalo News for 35 years. He covers the Bills and the NFL and is a past president of the Pro Football Writers of America, as well as a past selector for Pro Football Hall of Fame.